Latest news with #SriSathyaSaiSevaOrganisation
Hans India
4 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Devotion marks Guru Poornima celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam
Prasanthi Nilayam: Prasanthi Nilayam, the sacred abode of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, resonated with divine vibrations as thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate Guru Poornima, honoring the eternal Jagat Guru. The serene atmosphere was filled with reverence, devotion, and surrender, marking a day of profound spiritual significance. The celebrations began with soulful Guru Vandana bhajans by the Prasanthi Bhajan Group, each note steeped in love and devotion, creating an ambiance of peace and grace. The melodies elevated the hearts of all present, offering a sublime connection to the divine. S S Naganand, trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, delivered an inspiring address, emphasising the transformative role of the Guru. He highlighted how even simple bhajans become powerful tools for inner growth under the guidance of a true Master, especially on the auspicious Guru Poornima, coinciding with Thursday (Guruvara). Nimish Pandya, All India President of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, spoke on gratitude and surrender, drawing from the life of Sant Tukaram and Lord Vitthala. He described true devotion as accepting every moment as the Guru's prasad, calling the Guru's guidance the greatest assurance in life.A key highlight was the presence of Union minister for agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who distributed farming equipment to 100 farmers from Sri Sathya Sai district, promoting sustainable agriculture. State health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav also attended, reflecting governmental support for rural development. In his address, Chouhan, a first-time visitor, expressed awe at the universal love permeating Prasanthi Nilayam. He planted a Rudraksha sapling at Shanti Bhavan, symbolising his bond with Mother Earth.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
Heavy traffic chokes key routes in Visakhapatnam as devotees flock for Giri Pradakshina
Severe traffic congestion gripped several key routes leading to Simhachalam on Wednesday, as thousands of devotees thronged the area to take part in the annual Giri Pradakshina. Despite the deployment of traffic personnel, vehicular movement remained severely disrupted throughout the day. Major routes such as Anandapuram–Adavivaram, Gopalapatnam–Vepagunta, and NAD Junction–Gopalapatnam witnessed long snarls, while even peripheral areas like Venkojipalem and Hanumanthawaka saw heavy traffic buildup and queues of vehicles stretching for long distances. Many pilgrims coming from distant places were left stranded, especially along the Anandapuram–Adavivaram corridor, with several stuck in auto-rickshaws for extended durations, delaying their participation in the spiritual procession. On the law and order front, police ensured a peaceful atmosphere, with no untoward incidents reported. Special attention was paid to Tholi Pavancha, where the pilgrimage begins, and at major intersections along NH-16, where additional security was arranged to manage pedestrian crossings. Command Control Rooms were established at multiple locations, including one at Simhachalam, to oversee crowd and traffic management. Drones were extensively used to monitor large gatherings and traffic flow in real time. To maintain cleanliness throughout the event, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) deployed around 2,400 sanitation workers in three shifts. Bio-toilets were actively managed by dedicated staff to ensure hygiene. While waste was efficiently handled during the day, officials anticipate a massive clean-up challenge in the early hours after the pilgrimage ends due to the expected accumulation of litter. The corporation strictly enforced a ban on single-use plastics. Drinking water was distributed in paper cups, and food and refreshments provided by NGOs were served in eco-friendly containers. Among the volunteers who stood out were members of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, who provided herbal foot massages to weary devotees, along with tea, pepper milk, prasadam, and tiffin items. Their dedicated service was appreciated by Government Whip and Visakhapatnam West MLA P.G.V.R. Naidu (Ganababu), who lauded their efforts in supporting the pilgrims.
